project run and play | week 1 | party dress remix

(fabric and pattern details are located at the bottom of the post)

It's week one of Project Run and Play (head over to vote and check out more photos!!) Our theme this week was to remix the Party Dress Pattern by Cottage Home. I didn't really have a plan when I started this outfit other than I knew I wanted to remix the pattern into something more casual - a fun, colorful, swingy top. The fabric choices and additional pieces evolved by my usual creative process: trial and error! I felt that getting the proportions all three pieces right was important and really focused on that. I'm excited that everything came together as I'd hoped and decided that this had to be the outfit the kiddo wears for her 5th(!) birthday party next month. I love that this outfit is easy to wear and perfect for play but still has a 'dress up" quality.

To create the top, I shortened the bodice of the pattern quite a bit and added a functional button placket to the front. I used dark brown buttons which I sewed on with bright blue thread to add some visual contrast. I chose to pair the top with a sunny yellow knit cardigan and some cuffed linen-blend shorts. I wanted the cardigan to have a vintage feel so I added a peter pan collar (learned this trick from Carrie at a Sewing Summit Class) with faux piping, 3 small pearl-look buttons, and cropped the sleeves and overall length. The shorts have several little details...flat front, elastic back, pockets, side pockets, pleats, and a functioning fly. These were the most technically challenging garment I've sewn to date but I feel like I learned a lot in the process.

By FAR my favorite outfit in the competition! Love, love it! Even my daughter (who coincidentally turns 5 next month too!) quickly picked it as her favorite as she looked at the pictures with me. If ever you feel like offering a tutorial on any one of these pieces, I would be one happy girl:) Congrats on a great ensemble!

Vanessa this is ADORABLE! I love it. All the pieces and colors just work together so well, and the tights and shoes are perfect with it. And your daughter is stunningly beautiful, by the way. I always think that when I see her :)

Brilliant pattern remix! I love how the pieces work together to create something totally original and fashion forward And wearable. My kids never wear the party dresses I've made them. They like separates now.I'm your newest follower!

I love the fabric choices, and to me that is one important step. I's love to see a step by step blog post on the peter pan collar. Great job. Where do you buy most of your knits? I have a hard time finding quality knit fabrics?Deborahhttp://sewmuchtogive.blogspot.com

This is fantastic!! I love the bright yellow cardigan and the shirt! You are right, perfect for an active five year old little girl!! My daughter is turning 5 next month too!! I second Robin's comment above...fingers crossed for a winning tutorial post next week! ;)

Love, love it!! This outfit is so fresh and fashion forward. And it doesn't look one single bit like my original pattern (which is great!!). Your work with pairing the different patterns, textures and colors is always so refreshing. Great job, Vanessa!!

I voted for you! I didn't even have to look at the others because Oh my goodness, that cardigan is the cutest! I want this so bad. Will you please think about making a pattern when this is all done or a tutorial? I have to make this!!!! I know you got it by remaking the flash back so maybe a tutorial based off of it. It's sooo my style and what I like for my girls. Like another commenter said, it's fresh and fashion forward and adorable! Very CrewCuts.

I am BEYOND excited about this whole Project Run and Play experience! I started watching PROJECT RUNWAY long before I had my two sweets and started sewing for them and somehow I JUST found the PRAP blog and your fabulous site! Voted for you!! :) Maybe next season I'll join in the fun......

LOVE THIS, vanessa! So much. I have that same Jay McCarroll print in blue that I've been saving (only bought a FQ, what's wrong with me?). Love how you used color, and the proportions are spot on. So wearable and inspirational at the same time. Well done, ma'am!

I can only agree with all that has been written before - this is a gorgeous outfit. Beautiful colour combination and a fantastic collection of clothes. Stylish, fun and perfectly grown up for a 5 year old!!

Vanessa this outfit is absolutely pitch perfect! I love every little detail, and am so impressed with your precision--I'm such a sucker for precision!Can't wait to see what else you do, I'm such a fan!Miriam from madmim.com

This little outfit is just the sweetest! I featured it on my Favorite Things Thursday post today. http://missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-favorite-things-thursday.html You should stop by if you want and grab a featured button. Congrats on winning this round on Project Run and Play!